Catabolysis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Catabolysis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Muscle wasting, weakness, fatigue
Complications	Organ failure, immunodeficiency
Onset	During prolonged starvation
Duration	Until nutritional rehabilitation
Types	N/A
Causes	Lack of nutrients and calories
Risks	Malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, famine
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, biochemical tests
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Nutritional support, rehabilitation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depending on severity and duration
Frequency	Common in areas with food scarcity
Deaths	N/A

Catabolysis

A starved Vietnamese man, 1966, illustrating the effects of catabolysis.

Catabolysis is a metabolic process that occurs in the body during periods of starvation or severe caloric restriction. It involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and other body components to release energy and maintain vital functions. This process is crucial for survival when nutrient intake is insufficient to meet the body's energy demands.

Mechanism

During catabolysis, the body prioritizes the use of available glycogen stores and lipid reserves. Once these are depleted, the body begins to break down proteins from muscle tissue into amino acids. These amino acids are then converted into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, which occurs primarily in the liver. This glucose is used to supply energy to the brain and other vital organs.

The physical effects of prolonged catabolysis can be severe.

Effects on the Body

The effects of catabolysis can be severe, leading to significant muscle wasting, weight loss, and organ dysfunction. Prolonged catabolysis can result in cachexia, a condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy. This is often seen in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or severe malnutrition.

Clinical Significance

Understanding catabolysis is important in the management of patients with conditions such as anorexia nervosa, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where muscle wasting is a common complication. Interventions may include nutritional support and therapies aimed at preserving muscle mass and function.

See also

• Metabolism
• Starvation
• Gluconeogenesis
• Cachexia
• Anorexia nervosa